Wentworth Miller has officially come out of the closet "as a gay man" after he declined an invitation from the St. Petersburg International Film Festival in Russia. The former "Prison Break" star took a stand against the Russian government for their anti-gay laws and kindly refused the festival director's request to have Miller attend as a "guest of honor." The actor had previously denied being gay and told InStyle Magazine, "I'm not gay, but that rumor can't be killed."
"Thank you for your kind invitation. As someone who has enjoyed visiting Russia in the past and can also claim a degree of Russian ancestry, it would make me happy to say yes," Miller wrote in the letter posted by GLAAD.
"However, as a gay man, I must decline. I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government. The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly."
He concluded the letter by saying, "Perhaps, when and if circumstances improve, I’ll be free to make a different choice."
GLAAD spokesperson, Wilson Cruz said in a statement, "Wentworth's bold show of support sends a powerful message to LGBT Russians, who are facing extreme violence and persecution: you are not alone. As people from across the globe continue to speak out against Russia's horrific law, more celebrities and corporations should follow his courageous lead in openly condemning Russia's anti-LGBT law."
Check out Wentworth Miller's best bits on Ryan Murphy's "Popular" where he played gay teen Adam Rothschild Ryan.
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